We all cherish grandma’s homemade goodies and endless undivided attention as well as grandpa’s life lessons. So former President Jimmy Carter decided to honor the nanas and papas of the world by declaring the second Sunday in September a national holiday—otherwise known as National Grandparent’s Day. To pay homage to all their good doings, spend the day at Apple Annie’s Orchard—a Southern treasure many Tucsonans look forward to.
The orchard is located a short distance from Tucson in Wilcox, Arizona. Fall’s cooler temps and colorful foliage mark the perfect start to apple picking, which is what Apple Annie’s Orchard is known for. For the wee ones, the orchard is an endless line of leafy green trees filled with ripe Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Rome Beauty apples delectably hanging like Christmas ornaments. For grandma, those apples indicate tomorrow’s freshly baked apple pie that her family will enjoy. Additionally, seasonal peaches and pears are available, as well as homemade baked goods, fresh ice cream and fudge. What’s more, whether you choose to venture out on Saturday or Sunday, the orchard offers a tractor show featuring the "Power from the Past Antique Tractors & Engine Club."
If this weekend is short notice, here are a few additional orchard highlights perfect for grandparents, parents and children everywhere.
Sept. 19 and 20: My-Oh-My Apple Pie Weekend & Country Craft Fair
The orchard celebrates all things apple. Begin your morning with an all-you-can-eat apple pancake breakfast, followed by several samplings of the orchard’s infamous apple pies. For lunch, savor the sweet taste of apple-smoked burgers before partaking in the afternoon’s events of an apple pie-baking contest and apple pie-eating contest. Prizes will be awarded in both categories. Apple lovers, mark your calendars.
Sept. 26 and 27: Fall Pumpkin Celebration
Pumpkin picking is another fall favorite. Kids of all ages can enjoy hay rides, a corn maze and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. And just in case you’re still craving those yummy all-you-can-eat apple pancakes and appetizing apple-smoked burgers, they too will be available for your eating pleasures.
Oct. 1 to 31: Corn Maze
If you didn’t get a chance to wind your way through the orchard’s 18 acres (or six miles-worth) of interconnecting corn paths, well now’s your chance. Open daily for the entire month of October, those young and old can twist and turn their way through Apple Annie’s Orchard 3-D puzzle.
For more information, visit: www.appleannies.com.
